Located in the northern half of the Central Iberian plateau, Castilla y León is the largest of Spain's 17 administrative regions, covering about one-fifth of the country's total area. It extends about 350 kilometres (220 miles) from central Spain to the northern coast. Just as wide, it connects the Rioja wine region to the Portuguese border. Red wines reign supreme in Castilla y León, and the Tempranillo grape is undoubtedly the king.
It is known here by various synonyms, including Tinta del Pais, Tinto de Toro and Tinto Fino. It is the source of all the best wines in the region, with the exception of Bierzo, which makes good use of Mencia. The other grape varieties are the French varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah. The white wines of Castilla y Léon are much less numerous than the reds, but hardly less prestigious.
Originally from Bordeaux, Sauvignon, or Sauvignon Blanc, is reputed to be one of the best French grape varieties for white wine. It is a white grape variety, not to be confused with Sauvignon Gris and its pale yellow color, or with Cabernet Sauvignon which produces red wines. Particularly famous thanks to Sancerre, Sauvignon Blanc is cultivated as far as New Zealand, where it produces great wines whose reputation is well established.
white wines from the region of Castille-et-Léon go well with generally quite well with dishes of pork, shellfish or vegetarian such as recipes of beef tagine with vegetables, easy seafood gratin or light tuna-tomato quiche (without cream).
